Noise reducing vehicle door latch

Abstract

The invention relates to a door lock (1) with a transmission drive for a vehicle (3), comprising: - a rotary latch (5) for form-fittingly holding a locking element (7), - a locking mechanism (9) for locking the rotary latch (5) against loosening, - a wedge system (11) comprising a wedge lever (13) and a connecting piece (15), which can be brought into a self-locking contact position for reducing the relative movement between the locking element (7) and the rotary latch (5). The locking mechanism (9) contacts an outer circumference of a driven lever (17) via a circular-arc outer circumference section, so that the driven lever (17) is rotated by rolling on the outer circumference section when the locking mechanism (9) is moved. The driven lever (17) is coupled with a clamping lever (19), so that, during an opening movement of the locking mechanism (9), the self-locking connection between the wedge lever (13) and the connecting piece (15) is loosened by the rotation of the driven lever (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door lock for a vehicle, and a vehicle having such a door lock. Background Technology

[0002] If there are gaps in the design of the door lock to ensure reliable operation, the vehicle door lock may be a source of noise.

[0003] DE 10 2017 205 656 A1 addresses this problem and outlines the task of providing an improved lock, particularly in the closed position and under low sealing pressure, to prevent the locking surfaces of the locking pawl and the rotary fork from separating due to dynamic load changes in response to the door during operation. For a solution, DE 10 2017 205 656 A1 provides a lock, particularly for automotive backrests or tailgates, comprising: a rotary fork with a locking element; a distributed locking mechanism, particularly a locking pawl for locking the rotary fork in the closed position of the lock, in which the rotary fork and the locking element are tightly coupled; and a retaining rod coupled to the locking mechanism, wherein the retaining rod has an outer contour that self-lockingly holds the locking element within the rotary fork in the closed position of the lock.

[0004] The retaining rod is a key feature of DE 10 2017 205 656 A1 used to solve the aforementioned task. To allow the locking mechanism to perfectly engage with the protrusion of the rotary fork, maintaining the shape of the locking element and keeping it locked in that position, such a protrusion typically has a certain gap. Due to this gap, the rotary fork can rotate further because the locking mechanism associated with the gap typically does not remain stopped in the circumferential direction of the rotary fork. On the other hand, the retaining rod is a component of a door lock, for example, arranged in a vehicle door along with the rotary fork and locking mechanism. This retaining rod presses against the locking element with a self-locking tensioning function when the door lock is closed, thereby preventing any rattling sound from the door lock. Therefore, the door lock is secured with an additional element (the retaining rod), so that due to the function of the retaining rod, the gap can no longer move. Thus, DE 10 2017 205 656 A1 solves the aforementioned task of preventing rattling sound from such a door, especially when the door lock is closed.

[0005] As described in DE 10 2017 205 656 A1, the self-locking tensioning function of the retaining rod can be achieved, for example, by a rotatably supported retaining rod having a curve with an increasing radius on its exterior, at least within a certain angular range. With increasing rotation of the retaining rod towards the self-locking position, the larger outer radius of the retaining rod contacts a second portion pressing against the locking element, which is, for example, located on the vehicle body. The increased radius on this circumferential segment corresponds to a slope. If this slope is chosen too large an angle relative to the tangent on the imaginary circular segment of the retaining rod's minimum radius, the self-locking function cannot be guaranteed, and the self-locking position of the retaining rod can be canceled under mechanical excitation (especially the counter-thrust of the locking element). However, it should be noted that, like any other mechanical system, this system is subject to continuous wear; therefore, with increasing age, the steering angle of the retaining rod becomes larger, meaning that the actual area of ​​action of the retaining rod's self-locking position shifts towards the last area of ​​the retaining rod's circumferential segment with increasing wear, where self-locking is still possible. After this, the retaining rod is screwed into the lock to the maximum extent possible, and the self-locking position is no longer possible. This happens particularly quickly when the tilt angle is too small, but due to the aforementioned risk of losing self-locking, the tilt angle cannot be arbitrarily large. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and, in particular, to extend the life of the door lock by extending the working life of such a fixing rod (hereinafter referred to as an element of the "wedge system", specifically as a "wedge rod").

[0007] This invention derives from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous improvements and designs are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a door lock for a vehicle, comprising:

[0009] - A rotating locking fork is used to hold the locking element in a form-locking manner when the door lock is closed, by gripping, particularly by rotating, the locking element.

[0010] - A locking mechanism, particularly a locking pawl, is used to lock the rotary fork in the closed state of the door lock after the closing movement of the locking mechanism to prevent the rotary fork from releasing and the locking element from engaging in a shape-locking manner.

[0011] - A wedge system comprising a wedge rod and a connector, wherein the wedge rod and the connector are movable relative to each other and can be positioned in a self-locking contact position in the closed state of the door lock to reduce relative movement between the locking element and the rotating lock fork, characterized in that the locking mechanism contacts the outer periphery of a rotatably supported driven rod by frictional locking and / or shape locking of an arc-shaped outer peripheral segment, thus, in the opening and closing movements of the locking mechanism, the driven rod rotates by rolling on the outer peripheral segment of the locking mechanism, wherein the driven rod is coupled / connected to a clamping rod, thus, in the opening movement of the locking mechanism, the clamping rod releases the self-locking connection between the wedge rod and the connector by the rotation of the driven rod.

[0012] In contrast to the prior art described above, the engagement between the arc-shaped outer periphery of the locking mechanism and the driven rod, and its effect on the clamping rod, compensate for tolerances that develop only over time due to wear. Figures 2 to 4 More detailed descriptions of the working method can be found in the embodiments described in detail. Therefore, one of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that it solves the aforementioned problems in the prior art, as well as the associated trade-offs that are difficult to achieve between too large and too small tilt angles of the eccentric outer contour of the outer periphery, and that even in the case of wear, the wedge rod (corresponding to the aforementioned "fixing rod") can sink deep enough to at least indirectly generate a clamping force on the locking element.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the clamping rod, driven rod, and wedge rod are rotatably supported concentrically and rotate independently of each other while supported. Therefore, the clamping rod, driven rod, and wedge rod preferably have a common kinematic axis of rotation, but are in principle mounted within the lock housing and can rotate independently of each other.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment, the driven lever has a cam that rotates together with the driven lever, wherein, during the opening movement of the locking mechanism, the cam encounters a protrusion on the clamping lever, and after the cam and protrusion encounter each other, the driven lever rotates together with the clamping lever. The cam is specifically formed as a protrusion projecting from the circular surface of the driven lever. In the fully closed state of the door lock, a gap is preferably provided between the cam and the protrusion on the clamping lever, so that the wedge system only relaxes after a certain time delay following the start of the opening movement of the locking mechanism.

[0015] According to another advantageous embodiment, the clamping rod and the wedge rod are connected by an opening spring, wherein, in order to release the self-locking connection between the wedge rod and the connector, the opening spring presses the wedge rod from the self-locking connection to the open position by applying a spring force under pressure through the clamping rod guided by the driven rod, and pressing the stretched opening spring against the wedge rod in the rotational direction toward the open position. The opening spring has the advantageous effect that the fixed wedge rod does not cause the locking mechanism to become blocked, thus preventing the lock from being opened.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the opening spring is a helical spring guided by an arcuate guide rail around the clamping rod.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, the clamping rod is connected to a closing spring, wherein the arrangement and preload of the closing spring cause it to push the clamping rod and the wedge rod together to a self-locking position. Like the opening spring, the closing spring also allows the wedge rod to be re-feeded even in a worn state, as the spring travel far exceeds the expected wear dimension, thus compensating for this wear phenomenon.

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment, the connector is a region of the locking element. In this embodiment, the self-locking connection between the connector and the wedge rod occurs directly on the locking element, because here the wedge rod and the closing element are in direct contact with each other and can form a self-locking connection.

[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment, the connector is rotatably supported, wherein a surface is provided on a first side of the connector to engage with the wedge rod to form a self-locking mechanism, and in the closed state of the lock, a second side of the connector opposite to the first side presses against the locking element, transmitting the radial force of the wedge rod to the locking element through the connector, pressing the second opposite side of the connector against the locking element. The movable support of the connector provides an ideal self-locking contact effect between the wedge rod and the connector, and the connector also acts as a spacer between the wedge rod and the locking element, thus allowing the wedge rod to be designed to be shorter.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment, the arcuate outer periphery of the locking mechanism has spur / cylindrical gear teeth. Spur gears are a particularly reliable method for transmitting higher forces between the locking mechanism and the driven rod without interference with operation due to slippage. Accordingly, the rolling side of the driven rod has a toothed surface with which the spur gear meshes. Thus, the engagement transmission of the driven rod is generated through the arcuate outer periphery of the locking mechanism, thereby ensuring a larger adjustment angle for the wedge rod.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a door lock as described above and below, wherein the locking element is disposed on the vehicle body, and wherein a rotary locking fork and locking mechanism, as well as a wedge system, a driven rod, and a clamping rod are disposed on the vehicle door.

[0022] The advantages and improvements of the proposed vehicle are derived from a reasonable transfer of the above description of the implementation scheme related to the proposed door lock. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Further advantages, features, and details are derived from the following description, in which at least one embodiment is described in detail (refer to the accompanying drawings, if applicable). Identical, similar, and / or functionally identical parts are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0024] In the attached diagram:

[0025] Figure 1 This refers to a component of a door lock in the prior art.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a door lock according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the door lock.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the door lock components.

[0029] Figure 5 A vehicle with door locks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] These illustrations are schematic, not proportional. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A partial cross-section of the door lock 1 is shown (see figure below). The rotary fork 5 is used to form-lock the locking element 7 so as to keep the door closed in the closed state of the door lock 1. Once the rotary fork 5 grips the locking element 7, the locking mechanism 9 engages with the protrusion of the rotary fork 5 to prevent it from being rotated and released. Therefore, the rotary fork 5 remains locked in the position gripping the locking element 7. However, for the locking mechanism 9 to engage with the protrusion of the rotary fork 5, the rotary fork 5 must be rotated clockwise until a gap exists between the edge defining the protrusion of the rotary fork 5 and the angled protrusion of the locking mechanism 9. This gap is also manifested in the distance between the locking element 7 and the bay-shaped concave protrusion of the rotary fork 5. This gap is also known as overtravel and can cause a rattling noise in the door lock 1 when stimulated during operation. Therefore, the following... Figures 2 to 4 A solution is shown to prevent the problem by additionally clamping the locking element 7 with the wedge rod 13, taking into account the wear of the wedge rod 13 and other components.

[0032] Figure 2 It shows the use of vehicle 3 (e.g.) Figure 5 The door lock 1 (shown) has a rotating fork 5 for retaining the locking element 7 in a form-locking manner by rotating around the engaging locking element 7 when the door lock 1 is closed. It also has a locking mechanism 9, here formed as a locking pawl, for locking the rotating fork 5 after the closing movement of the locking mechanism 9 to prevent the form-locking of the rotating fork 5 and the locking element 7 from loosening. Furthermore, the door lock 1 has a wedge system 11 with a wedge rod 13 and a connector 15. The wedge rod 13 and the connector 15 are movably supported so that they can move relative to each other and can be positioned in a self-locking contact position for the closed state of the door lock 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In Figure 2 In the view, the wedge rod 13 can be rotated clockwise to the open position. In the self-locking position, the wedge rod 13 presses against the rotatably supported connector 15, which in turn presses against the locking element 7 to reduce relative movement between the locking element 7 and the rotating locking fork 5. The locking mechanism 9 contacts the outer periphery of the rotatably supported driven rod 17 by means of spur teeth on its arc-shaped outer peripheral section at its end face, such that during the opening and closing movements of the locking mechanism 9, the driven rod 17 rotates by rolling on the outer peripheral section of the locking mechanism 9, wherein the driven rod 17 is coupled / connected to the clamping rod 19, such that the rotation of the driven rod 17 during the opening movement of the locking mechanism 9 causes the clamping rod 19 to release the self-locking connection between the wedge rod 13 and the connector 15. The clamping rod 19, the driven rod 17, and the wedge rod 13 are all rotatably supported in a concentric manner and, in principle, can rotate independently of each other while supported. However, the clamping rod 19 and the wedge rod 13 are coupled / connected by the opening spring 25. To release the self-locking connection between the wedge rod 13 and the connector 15, the opening spring 25 tends to push the wedge rod 13 from the self-locking position into the open position when the clamping rod 19 compresses the opening spring 25 sufficiently. Figure 2 The opening spring 25 is not shown separately; only the arcuate guide 27 of the clamping rod 19 is shown, around which the opening spring 25, formed as a helical spring, is guided. Therefore, when the cam 21, which rotates with the driven rod 17, encounters the protrusion 23 of the clamping rod 19 and rotates with it, the opening spring 25 is compressed by the clamping rod 19. The clamping rod 19 then compresses the opening spring 25 and presses its spring force against the wedge rod 13. The closing spring 29 pressing against the clamping rod 19 causes the clamping rod 19 to move toward the self-locking position together with the wedge rod 13 when the door lock 1 is closed.

[0033] The opening process of the door lock 1 can be described as follows: the locking mechanism 9 is designed as a locking pawl, and the locking element 7 is designed as a latch. Furthermore, the arc-shaped outer circumference of the locking pawl 9 is designed with spur teeth so that with each movement of the locking pawl 9, whether it is an opening or closing movement, the circumference of the rotatably supported driven rod 17 rotates. For this purpose, the driven rod 17 is rotatably supported in the door lock 1, so that the driven rod 17 is driven to rotate by the spur teeth of the locking pawl 9. If, in the closed state of the door lock 1, the locking pawl 9 is moved out of the rotating fork 5 by an opening movement to release the rotating fork 5, so that the rotating fork 5 no longer holds the latch 7, the driven rod 17 will rotate due to the movement of the spur teeth of the locking pawl 9 until the cam 21 located on the driven rod 17 contacts the protrusion of the clamping rod 19. The clamping rod 19, the driven rod 17, and the wedge rod 13 are all concentrically supported and can rotate independently about the same kinematic axis of rotation. As described above, if the cam 21 of the driven rod 17 collides with the protrusion of the clamping rod 19, the rotational movement of the driven rod 17 guides the clamping rod 19 to rotate as well. Since the clamping rod 19 is coupled to the upper side of the wedge rod 13 via the opening spring 25, this rotational movement of the clamping rod 19 compresses the opening spring 25 between the wedge rod 13 and the clamping rod 19. The expansion force of the opening spring 25 acts on the upper side of the wedge rod 13, thus pushing the opposite side of the wedge rod 13, i.e., the side of the wedge rod 13 that contacts the connector 15, away from the self-locking position, i.e., pushing it to a rotation angle at which the smaller radius of the wedge rod 13 occurs within the region of the connector 15, thereby releasing the self-locking connection between the wedge rod 13 and the connector 15. Therefore, the opening spring 25 compensates for clearance and geometric changes, so the function of the mechanism is unaffected regardless of signs of wear on the wedge rod 13. When the friction of the self-locking connection is overcome, the opening spring 25 relaxes until the wedge rod 13 contacts the stop of the clamping rod 19. Then, the self-locking action between the wedge rod 13 and the connector 15 is completely canceled; the wedge rod 13 no longer acts on the connector 15, and the connector 15 no longer presses against the latch 7. Therefore, the latch 7 is positioned with a gap in the rotating fork 5 due to its design. However, when the locking pawl 9 is fully open, the latch 7 is no longer held. In this final state, the door lock 1 is open, and neither the connector 15 nor the rotating fork 5 contacts the latch 7. Therefore, the door is no longer held in place by the latch 7 being form-locked in the door lock 1, and can be opened.

[0034] During the closing process of the door lock 1, the locking pawl 9 performs the opposite movement described above after the rotating fork 5 grips the latch 7, so that the latch 7 is held in a form-locked manner by the rotating fork 5 engaged around it. In this case, the rotating fork 5 held by the locking pawl 9 can no longer rotate to the point where it no longer grips the latch 7 - this fixes the rotating fork 5 in the engaged position around the latch 7. However, during the closing movement of the locking pawl 9, the driven rod 17 is again driven to rotate by the positive teeth of the locking pawl 9 - only in the opposite direction of rotation to the opening movement of the door lock 1 described above. As a result, the cam 21 of the driven rod 17 moves away from the protrusion 23 of the clamping rod 19, so that the clamping rod 19 can also follow the movement of the cam 21 to some extent under the drive of the expansion force of the closing spring 29. To ensure that the wedge rod 13 moves on the connector 15 such that self-locking friction occurs between the wedge rod 13 and the connector 15—which is allowed by the eccentric surface design of the wedge rod 13 with the aforementioned slope / inclination (increased radius on the outer periphery)—a closing spring 29 is provided on the upper side of the clamping rod 19. The closing spring 29 presses against the clamping rod 19 and ensures that the wedge rod 13 is always forced into the self-locking position, regardless of how much wear has occurred on the wedge rod 13 (especially its surface in contact with the connector 15) and other components of the door lock 1.

[0035] In particular, the action of the driven rod 17, as well as the closing spring 29 and the opening spring 25, ensures an increased service life for the door lock 1 because, for example, the two springs ensure that their working mechanism is independent of wear and compensate for changes in clearance, length, required angle, or the like through their movement.

[0036] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The door lock 1, but with the wedge rod 13 intentionally removed, is used to explain the operation and interaction between the locking mechanism 9 and the driven rod 17, in particular. When the locking mechanism 9 moves, the driven rod 17 is located at... Figure 3 The locking mechanism 9 rolls on the outer periphery of its upper end. To better illustrate the movement of the locking mechanism 9, Figure 3 The locking mechanism 9 is shown by opening movements in multiple positions, with its spur gear driving the driven rod 17 on its outer periphery, causing the driven rod 17, which is supported in the housing of the door lock 1, to rotate like a wheel.

[0037] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3An enlarged partial view, specifically including the driven lever 17. The driven lever 17 is rotated by the opening or closing movement of the locking mechanism 9, wherein the spur teeth located on the upper side of the locking mechanism 9 track the movement of the wheel at least within a certain angular range, thereby moving together with the circular outer periphery of the driven lever 17, causing the driven lever 17 to roll on the outer peripheral section of the locking mechanism 9. A cam 21 disposed in a region adjacent to the driven lever 17 encounters a protrusion 23 of the clamping lever 19 at a sufficient rotation angle of the driven lever 17. The cam 21 pushes the protrusion 23, which is in turn fixedly disposed on the clamping lever 19. Therefore, the clamping lever 19 also rotates.

[0038] Figure 5 It shows that it has the following characteristics: Figures 2 to 4 The door lock 1 is located on the vehicle 3. The locking element 7 is installed on the body of the vehicle 3. The rotary locking fork 5, the locking mechanism 9, the wedge system 11, the driven rod 17, and the clamping rod 19 are all installed on the door of the vehicle 3.

[0039] While the invention has been described and explained in more detail through preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations therefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. Therefore, it is apparent that numerous variations are possible. It is also clear that the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples and should not be construed in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, application possibilities, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and the figures enable those skilled in the art to specifically implement the exemplary embodiments, wherein the disclosed spirit of the invention is known to them, and various changes can be made, for example, regarding the function or arrangement of individual elements described in the exemplary embodiments, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal counterparts.

Claims

1. A door lock (1) for a vehicle (3), having - a rotary latch (5) for form-fittingly holding a locking element (7) by grasping the locking element (7) in a closed state of the door lock (1), - a locking mechanism (9) for locking the rotary latch (5) against release of the form-fitting of the rotary latch (5) and the locking element (7) in a closed state of the door lock (1) after a closing movement of the locking mechanism (9), - a wedge-shaped lever (13) and a connecting piece (15) which can be moved relative to one another and which can be brought into a self-locking contact position in the closed state of the door lock (1) in order to reduce the relative movement between the locking element (7) and the rotary latch (5), characterized in that an arc-shaped peripheral section of the locking mechanism (9) has a toothing and a rolling side of a rotatably supported driven lever (17) has a toothed surface, which toothing meshes with the toothed surface, wherein the locking mechanism (9) form-fittingly contacts the periphery of the driven lever (17) by the toothing of the arc-shaped peripheral section and the toothed surface, so that in the opening movement and the closing movement of the locking mechanism (9) the driven lever (17) is rotated by rolling on the peripheral section of the locking mechanism (9), wherein the driven lever (17) is coupled with a clamping lever (19), so that in the opening movement of the locking mechanism (9) the clamping lever (19) releases the self-locking connection between the wedge-shaped lever (13) and the connecting piece (15) by the rotation of the driven lever (17).

2. The door lock (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping lever (19), the driven lever (17) and the wedge-shaped lever (13) are rotatably supported in a concentric manner with one another and are rotatable independently of one another in their supported state.

3. The door lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driven lever (17) has a cam (21) which rotates with the driven lever (17), wherein in the opening movement of the locking mechanism (9) the cam (21) meets a protrusion (23) of the clamping lever (19) and after the meeting of the cam (21) and the protrusion (23) the driven lever (17) rotates with the clamping lever (19). - a wedge system (11) comprising a wedge-shaped rod (13) and a connecting piece (15), wherein 4. The door lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the clamping lever (19) and the wedge-shaped lever (13) are coupled by an opening spring (25), wherein in order to release the self-locking connection between the wedge-shaped lever (13) and the connecting piece (15) the opening spring (25) presses the wedge-shaped lever (13) from the self-locking connection into an opening position by spring force which is applied under pressure by the clamping lever (19) which is guided by the driven lever (17), and the stretched opening spring (25) is pressed on the wedge-shaped lever (13) in a rotational direction towards the opening position.

5. The door lock (1) according to claim 4, wherein ​ wherein ​ ​ wherein ​ ​ wherein, ​ ​ wherein The opening spring (25) is a spiral spring guided around an arc-shaped guide rail (27) of the clamping lever (19).

6. The door lock (1) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, wherein The clamping lever (19) is connected to a closing spring (29), wherein the arrangement and pretensioning of the closing spring (29) is such that the closing spring (29) pushes the clamping lever (19) together with the wedge lever (13) into a self-locking position.

7. The door lock (1) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, wherein The connecting piece (15) is a region of the locking element (7).

8. The door lock (1) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, wherein The connecting piece (15) is rotatably supported, wherein on a first side of the connecting piece (15) a surface is provided which cooperates with the wedge lever (13) to form a self-locking, and wherein in the closed state of the door lock (1) a second side of the connecting piece (15) opposite the first side presses against the locking element (7), the radial force of the wedge lever (13) being transmitted to the locking element (7) by the connecting piece (15).

9. The door closer (1) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, characterized in that, The rotary latch (5) serves to positively keep the locking element (7) in the closed state of the door lock (1) by rotationally holding the locking element (7).

10. The door closer (1) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (9) is a locking claw.

11. A vehicle (3) having a door lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The locking element (7) is arranged on the vehicle body of the vehicle (3), wherein the rotary latch (5) and the locking mechanism (9) as well as the wedge system (11) and the driven lever (17) and the clamping lever (19) are arranged on the vehicle door of the vehicle (3).

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